Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Although antibiotics can help treat certain types of infections, it is important to understand that they will not work for all infections. Depending on the type of infection, antibiotics may or may not be the best treatment option.
Antibiotic Resistance
One of the most important things to understand about antibiotics is that they can lose their effectiveness over time. This is known as antibiotic resistance. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, they can spread and cause more severe infections that may be harder to treat. To prevent antibiotic resistance, it is important to only take antibiotics when they are prescribed by a doctor and to always take them as directed.
Infections That Can Be Treated With Antibiotics
Antibiotics are most commonly used to treat bacterial infections. These include urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections. Antibiotics may also be used to treat some sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Infections That Cannot Be Treated With Antibiotics
Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics also cannot be used to treat fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or ringworm. In some cases, antibiotics can make a viral or fungal infection worse.
When to See a Doctor
If you have an infection and are unsure about whether or not antibiotics are the best treatment option, it is important to talk to your doctor. A doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
